Aerospace

Embraer advances in the production of the first KC-390 Millennium for Hungary

The first KC-390 Millennium aircraft for the Hungarian Defense Forces is still being produced by Embraer. In order to improve the capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces, the Hungarian government signed a contract with Embraer in November 2020 for the purchase of two KC-390 aircraft. The aircraft’s fuselage and semi-wings are already painted in the customer’s colors, and Embraer is currently putting them together.

Embraer’s C-390 Millennium debuts at the NATO Days event in the Czech Republic(Opens in a new browser tab)

Beginning in the second half of 2023, the first aircraft will undergo flight tests before being delivered in the second quarter of 2024. Hungary’s second KC-390 is projected to be delivered by the end of 2024, with production for it set to start in December 2022 in keeping with the original schedule.

10 things about Embraer KC 390.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Intensive Care Unit, a crucial component for carrying out humanitarian operations, will be installed for the first time on a KC-390 for the Hungarian Defense Forces. Not only in terms of hardware but also in terms of its avionics and communications design, the KC-390 is completely NATO-compliant. The KC-390 probe and drogue refueling system also enables the aircraft to refuel other aircraft using the same technology, including the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen.

Aircraft comparison Brazil’s KC-390 vs Japan’s Kawasaki C-2(Opens in a new browser tab)

The aircraft completely meets the needs of the Hungarian Defense Forces and is capable of carrying out a variety of military and civilian missions, including medical evacuation, troop transport, precision cargo airdrops, operations involving paratroopers, and air-to-air refueling.

In order to work together on a project to certify Aeroplex as an Embraer Authorized Service Center in Hungary, Embraer and Aeroplex signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2022. The plan is to assist and make it possible for Aeroplex to maintain KC-390 Millennium aircraft for the Hungarian Defense Forces.

L3 Harris to Develop New Agile Tanker via KC-390 to Support Air Force(Opens in a new browser tab)

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.